10 Fast-Growing Seeds for Quick Harvests
Growing your own food doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process. With the right seeds, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown greens and vegetables in as little as a few weeks. Whether you’re new to gardening, want a quick win, or need a fun project for the kids, these fast-growing seeds are the perfect choice. From kitchen windowsills to garden beds, here are 10 easy seeds that will give you a quick and satisfying harvest.
1. Cress
Ready in: 5–7 days
Cress is the ultimate fast-growing seed and perfect for beginners or kids. It thrives indoors on damp kitchen paper, cotton wool, or compost, and grows rapidly with very little effort. Its peppery flavour makes it ideal for adding to egg sandwiches, salads, or as a garnish.
Top Tip: Keep the seeds moist but not waterlogged and place them in a bright spot.
2. Radishes
Ready in: 3–4 weeks
Radishes are one of the quickest root vegetables you can grow. They thrive in garden beds, containers, or even window boxes, and their crisp, peppery flavour makes them a delicious addition to salads and stir-fries.
Top Tip: Sow radish seeds directly into well-drained soil and water regularly for the best results.
3. Lettuce (Mixed Leaf)
Ready in: 3–4 weeks for baby leaves
Mixed leaf lettuce is perfect for those who want a continuous supply of fresh greens. It grows quickly, and you can use a cut-and-come-again method to keep harvesting leaves over several weeks.
Top Tip: Plant in shallow trays or directly into a garden bed. Sow new seeds every 2–3 weeks for a steady supply.
4. Spinach
Ready in: 4–6 weeks
Spinach grows well in cooler conditions, making it perfect for sowing indoors or outdoors. Its tender leaves are packed with nutrients and work beautifully in salads, smoothies, or cooked dishes.
Top Tip: Harvest young leaves regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from bolting.
5. Pea Shoots
Ready in: 2–3 weeks
Pea shoots are quick, tasty, and incredibly easy to grow indoors. These sweet, tender greens are perfect for adding to salads, stir-fries, or as a garnish. Simply sow dried pea seeds densely in shallow trays with compost.
Top Tip: Place the tray in a bright spot and snip the shoots when they are 3–4 inches tall.
6. Coriander
Ready in: 3–4 weeks for leaves
Coriander is a fast-growing herb that thrives indoors or outdoors. Its aromatic leaves are a must-have for curries, soups, and salsas. You can harvest fresh leaves within a month of sowing.
Top Tip: Grow in pots on a sunny windowsill and water gently to avoid over-saturating the roots.
7. Basil
Ready in: 3–4 weeks for baby leaves
Basil is a popular kitchen herb that’s easy to grow indoors. Its sweet, aromatic flavour is perfect for pasta dishes, pizzas, and homemade pesto. Basil thrives in a warm environment, so it’s perfect for growing on a sunny windowsill.
Top Tip: Pinch off the top leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth.
8. Beetroot (for Leaves)
Ready in: 3–4 weeks for young leaves
Beetroot isn’t just about the roots – its leafy greens are delicious and nutritious. Sow beetroot seeds densely for tender young leaves that are perfect for salads or as a garnish.
Top Tip: Use a shallow tray or pot for growing beet greens and harvest when they’re about 10cm tall.
9. Chives
Ready in: 3–4 weeks
Chives are a versatile and low-maintenance herb that adds a mild onion flavour to dishes. They’re perfect for growing in small pots indoors and can be snipped regularly to keep them producing fresh growth.
Top Tip: Keep chive pots in a bright spot and water sparingly – they don’t like soggy roots.
10. Mustard Greens
Ready in: 3–4 weeks
Mustard greens are fast, reliable, and add a tangy, spicy kick to salads, sandwiches, or stir-fries. They grow well indoors and are perfect for those wanting to grow nutrient-rich greens quickly.
Top Tip: Sow seeds thinly in trays and water regularly. Harvest when the leaves are young for the best flavour.
Tips for Growing Fast-Growing Seeds
- Use Fresh Seeds – Fresh seeds germinate quickly and reliably.
- Provide Light – Place your plants on a sunny windowsill or use grow lights to encourage healthy growth.
- Keep the Soil Moist – Water gently to keep the soil or growing medium damp but not soaked.
- Sow Successionally – Plant seeds every 2–3 weeks to ensure a steady supply of fresh harvests.
Conclusion
Fast-growing seeds are perfect for gardeners of all experience levels, offering quick and rewarding results. Whether you’re looking for fresh salad greens, tasty herbs, or easy-to-grow shoots, these seeds are a fantastic choice. Start sowing today, and you’ll be enjoying delicious, homegrown produce in no time!
Ready to grow? Shop our range of seeds and start harvesting in weeks!